ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari has approved the appointment of additional judges to five high courts, while endorsing the elevation of several additional judges to permanent positions.
The approvals cover the Lahore, Sindh, Peshawar, Islamabad and Balochistan high courts, according to an official statement.
The president also approved the confirmation of several additional judges of the Lahore and Sindh high courts as permanent judges. Following the presidential approval, the Ministry of Law and Justice issued the relevant notification.
The move comes a day after the Islamabad High Court questioned the delay in approving the judicial appointments summary and sought responses from the president and prime minister.
During Monday’s hearing, Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir noted that more than 18 days had elapsed since the summary was sent for approval. The court directed the federal government and Law Ministry to provide details on the date the summary was forwarded and subsequent action taken.
The proceedings followed a petition by lawyer Luqman Zafar, who challenged the delay in approving nominations endorsed by the Judicial Commission of Pakistan during its July 20 and 21 meetings.
SC Judges’ Pay and Benefits Aligned
Separately, President Zardari approved measures to bring the salaries, allowances and pensions of Supreme Court judges on par with those of Federal Constitutional Court judges.
He also approved amendments concerning leave, pensions and other benefits for high court judges under the 1997 order.
Haroon Akhtar Named PM’s Adviser
In another decision, President Zardari approved the appointment of Haroon Akhtar as Adviser to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production.
